Reform the BART Police

From: Michael Prados

To: Lynette Sweet, Bart Director, District 7

Subject: Reform the BART Police

Dear Ms. Sweet:

I am a resident of BART District 7 and a frequent BART rider.  I’m
writing because of my concern over the recent fatal shooting of Oscar
Grant at the Fruitvale BART station by a member of the BART Police,
which I’m sure is a matter of deep concern to you as well.  I realize
that the public only knows part of the story of this tragedy and the
subsequent investigation, and I realize that the BART Police have a
difficult and important job to do.  Still, even in the videos which
have been circulating, there is strong evidence that unjustified
deadly force was involved.

It is very troubling that a man who had not committed a serious crime
is dead today, and that his young child will grow up without a father.
Above and beyond that, it is troubling that there has not been a
decisive response from BART, and that according to the San Francisco
Chronicle, the officer has not yet offered a statement.

It is certainly of immediate importance that BART respond to the
apparent misdeeds of its officers quickly, and that a thorough
investigation is conducted with appropriate transparency to the
public.  If it is found that the officer is guilty of a crime, it is
certainly important that he be brought to justice quickly.

Above and beyond the immediate investigation, this incident has made
apparent the importance of a broader reform to the BART Police to
institute a greater degree of civilian oversight.  The BART Police is
too large an organization, with too much discretion to use deadly
force, not to have civilian oversight like the other police agencies
which protect the San Francisco Bay Area.  It is not my desire to
impede the important work which the BART Police does, but it is also
only fair that those who are trusted with such broad authority should
be accountable to the public they serve.

Sincerely, and With Grave Concern,
-Michael Prados
Resident of Potrero Hill Neighborhood, San Francisco, CA